You do get the choice between mens and womens versions (the latter of which generally accommodate shorter torso lengths), but fit can nevertheless be a key reason that hikers might opt for a standard daypack (most are available in at least two sizes) over a hydration pack.. In the end, most openings are well executedno matter the stylebut your preferences in terms of filling and cleaning/drying might help inform your purchase. But in our opinion, the Ultimate Directions system isnt particularly well-executed: It only has space for one 500-milliliter flask, andwhen youll inevitably need to add a hydration reservoirdoesnt have convenient features like a tube port or magnet attachment on the sternum strap. CamelBaks Octane 25 combines the on-the-go storage of the Flash with a 25-liter design, adding on a large zippered entry to the main compartment and a cushioned hipbelt (with pockets) to help distribute the weight of larger loads. In general, we find top-opening reservoirs to be easier to clean and drythe mouths are wide enough to fit your hand in, and offerings from HydraPak (used in the Osprey packs above) can even be turned inside out. Let's be honest: cleaning a hydration reservoir isn't our idea of a good time. Weve found that anywhere in the 20- to 30-liter range is a sweet spot for an all-around daypack that can handle anything from local summits to full-day hikes. Tack on a full set of features (including a rain cover, trekking pole attachment, gear loops, and two large main compartments) and a 2.5-liter HydraPak reservoir, and its the full package for modern hikers who prefer all the bells and whistles. Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon Every few years, Salomon revamps their best-selling X Ultra line, and they launched the latest 4 last spring. But all gripes aside, the Nathan is nevertheless a very versatile piece for those looking for a quiver-of-one hydration pack, and its snazzy colorways are well suited toward the modern adventurer.See the Nathan Trail Mix 12L, Staying hydrated is essential to being alert and limber on the trail, and nothing makes the process easier than a hydration pack. The amount of padding on the hipbelt and shoulder straps is a great indicator of a packs maximum comfort levels. We like hipbelt pockets for things you want close at hand (beware, in most cases these dont accommodate larger smartphones), an exterior pocket along the top lid for small items like a headlamp or energy bar, and a large, open main compartment for bulkier gear. There are a lot of ways to clean a hydration reservoir (including cleaning tabs, scrub brushes, drying racks, etc. Osprey and Gregory often go head-to-head in the pack market, and Gregorys answer to the Manta above is the Citro 30 (and womens Juno 30). And as with Gregorys Nano and Inertia above, we appreciate the 3D Hydro reservoir, which is easy to load, routes cleanly through a hose clip and magnetic buckle, and features a quick-drying design.See the Men's Gregory Citro 30 H2O See the Women's Gregory Juno 30 H2O. Below we break down the category, including the various backpack features, hydration reservoirs and compatibility, and more., Hydration Packs vs. Hydration-Compatible Backpacks Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Cleaning a Hydration Reservoir Octane 25 Limited Edition Hydration Pack with Fusion Reservoir, Women's Sequoia 24 100 oz Hydration Pack. and fit a 13-inch computer in the rear stash instead. For short day hikes, multi-pitch rock climbing, or everyday travel, the Gregory Nano 18 H2O is a high-quality yet affordable offering from a company that knows how to make a solid pack. But the Octane (which also comes in 10L and 18L versions) is nevertheless a thoughtfully designed vest/pack that offers much better gear access than most of the competition. Most of the hydration packs here feature fairly stripped-down suspension systems, more reminiscent of bare-bones daypacks than backpacking packs. This article focuses on hydration packs specifically built for hiking, but there are a wide variety of designs for everything from mountain biking to trail running and resort skiing. Closure Systems and Access All of the hydration packs that made our list have access to the main compartment through the top of the pack, but the closure systems vary. Storage is also on par, too, including a zippered accessory pocket, side pockets (we appreciate that Gregory included one dump pocketthe Ospreys side pockets are both zippered), hipbelt pockets, and a front bungee. In February of 2022, the Switchback Travel team convened in the town of El Chaltn, located within the Southern Andes Los Glaciares National Park. they don't lie completely flat), both of which assist in drying. The FKT is the only pack here that comes with a soft flask rather than a reservoir, which has its pros and cons. An all-in-one system that includes a sleekly paired daypack and hydration reservoir, a hydration pack makes loading, carrying, and accessing water a breeze. and Gregory Inertia 24 H2O (1 lb. In our opinion, its a clunky layout that doesnt add much in terms of performance over a sleeker design like the Citro, which tacks on a perimeter frame for even better support. Like most vests, the Flash rides high on the torso and forgoes a hipbelt, but underarm adjustments and two sternum straps effectively cinch the load close to your body. Running hydration packs and vests generally range from 1.5 to 12 liters, prioritize a streamlined design that sits high on the torso and rides as an extension of the body, and feature accessible storage both on the front and the back of the pack. Finally, a few models, including the Ultimate Direction FKT and Nathan Trail Mix 12L, use roll-top lids, which excel in versatility and allow you to adjust the volume of your pack to a changing load. Its the lowest capacity offering of the bunch, and will only pair well with minimalist days on the trail. For an all-in-one solution thats reasonably priced at $140, it doesnt get much betterand Osprey offers the pack in three capacities to accommodate all your trail needs.See the Men's Osprey Skarab 30 See the Women's Osprey Skimmer 28. A fully featured pack will include padding on your back and real straps on your shoulders and waist to help distribute weight. With an alloy frame, generous padding, and an airy mesh backpanel, the Citro does a great job distributing a heavy load and eliminates the sagging or pressure points you might get from less structured designs like the Skarab or Inertia above. Within this category, its also worth considering the Osprey Duro 15 ($140) and NathanTrail Mix 12L ($150), but we think the Flash 15 is the most ideal pick for hikers in particular, and its $120 price point is hard to beat. 8.6 oz.) But the market has improved significantly of late, with a healthy number of leggings, joggers A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Being able to hydrate without stopping is great for efficiency on the trail, but having access to snacks and other essentials can bring your speed to the next level. If you like to have a defined space for (and easy access to) smaller items, look for a pack with a number of interior and exterior pockets. 13 oz.Capacities: 26LIncluded hydration: 3L reservoirWhat we like: Great load bearing and ventilation.What we dont: Overly complicated design results in needless heft and bulk. The hybrid pack comes complete with a 2-liter hydration bladder (CamelBaks reservoirs are among the easiest to fill, and we also appreciate their on/off valves, which are secure and simple to toggle), a zippered front pocket (similar to the Flash, its large enough to fit most modern smartphones), and an integrated rain cover. Custom orders take up to 3 weeks to receive. We should also note that there are a few running-inspired designs on our list above that forgo the hipbelt completely. The ultimate beverage multi-tasker for on-the-go sustainability and versatility. Quick-Disconnect Tubing Keep in mind that for most day hikes we recommend a bit more capacity, better support, and more organizational features, but the Nano will get the job done for short hikes or adventures that dont require too much gear. There are a number of ways to ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day, but by far the most convenient is a hydration pack. When evaluating pack weight, keep comfort and storage in mind. First, while the 24-liter design gets the job done for mild-weather hiking with minimal gear, we prefer the Skarabs 30-liter capacity (at a lighter weight, nonetheless) for year-round use or if we want to carry a little extra (like a full-frame camera or camping blanket). But while we have little gripes about CamelBaks reservoirs, their packs just cant compete with the specialists in terms of carrying comfort and quality. Most of their offerings are low-capacity vests designed for running, but the FKT Vest Pack here is a nice hybrid design, built for speed-minded hikers carrying more of a load. Joining the running-vest-inspired Octane and minimalist RimRunner on our list is the Fourteener 26 (and womens Sequoia 24). But for an attractive hydration pack that falls between the Skarab 30 and 22 ($110) in terms of capacity, the Inertia 24 is a nice option for both hiking and everyday use.See the Men's Gregory Inertia 24 H2O See the Women's Gregory Swift 22 H2O, Weight: 1 lb. Its also important to note that, despite the brands prominence in the world of on-the-go hydration, CamelBaks packs dont often match the quality and fit of models from specialists like Osprey and Gregory. Further, most reservoirs (including both screw-top and slider varieties) now feature handles on the top to leverage the opening and make the filling process even easier. Most hydration reservoirs range in capacity from 1.5 to 3 liters, including 2- and 2.5-liter options. On the other hand, the Trail Mix is more pack-like than most of its brethren, with a large main compartment at the rear that secures with a roll top and easily accommodates extra layers and essentials for a variety of activities, including hiking, running, and biking. Below are some basic guidelines for capacity: Short day hikes/multi-sport adventures: 5-18 litersAverage day hikes and everyday use: 18-30 litersLong or gear-heavy day hikes: 30-40 liters. , The hydration packs above range in capacity from the 12-liter Nathan Trail Mix to the 34-liter Osprey Manta. Explore what it means to live boldly, unapologetically and radically PROUD. In addition, you can throw wet gear into this outer pocket to avoid soiling the contents of your main compartment. As we mentioned above, CamelBak's Crux reservoirs have a wide, circular opening that's large enough to fit a hand inside. However, these are specialized designs and we dont recommend them for the average day hiker in the market for a hydration pack. 11.2 oz.Capacities: 14LIncluded hydration: 2L reservoirWhat we like: Keeps your water cold for up to four hours low center of gravity.What we dont: Not much in the way of organization. All told, if you like the style of a running hydration vest but prefer a bit more features and durability for hiking (we especially love the removable backpanel that doubles as a sit pad), the Flash 15 is a solid pick. Our new Fusion 2L Reservoir with Tru Zip Waterproof Zipper delivers innovative hydration solutions so you can keep your mind on the journey ahead. Were also a bit mixed on the organization: On one hand, you get a lot of it; on the other, its not all particularly useful. Our biggest gripe with the Octane 25 is that it only comes in one size. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the Women know the struggles when it comes to choosing hiking pants: ill fit, lack of storage, and general discomfort. On the other hand, more robust suspensions feature rigid frame sheets, metal stays, or even suspended mesh backpanels for class-leading ventilation (as seen in the Gregory Citro 30). Free Ground Shipping on All Orders. Epic adventures await. Its also worth checking out Ultimate Directions Fastpack, which carries more like a pack and comes in larger capacities (20, 30, and 40L).See the Ultimate Direction FKT Vest Pack. Like the Osprey Skarab above, the Rim Runner features a bucket-style opening to the main compartment, making it easy to see and access items at the bottom of your pack. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. Designed with a metal frame, suspended mesh Airspeed backpanel (great for ventilation), and generously padded mesh hipbelt and shoulder straps, the Osprey doesnt hold anything back in terms of comfort and load distribution. In the end, we recommend that most hikers stick with a middle ground design like the Osprey Skarab 30, which features a rigid framesheet covered in a plush layer of EVA foam and open mesh for ventilation. Reservoir Compatibility On one hand, soft flasks are easy to fill on the go, convenient for keeping tabs on your water supply, and their smaller capacity gives you the option of varying your liquids (e.g. Most importantly, youll want to ensure that your pack is the appropriate size for your torso length and that the hipbelt can be tightened to secure snugly around your hips. And manufacturers offer a range of other products to help with the process: The Osprey Hydraulics Cleaning Kit, for example, includes a reservoir brush, hose brush, and drying rack, and cleaning tabs (like those from Bottle Bright) are a great way to easily remove build-up. Hydroflask has built a name around insulated water storage, so it comes as no surprise that their Down Shift 14 has a bit more to offer than the average hydration pack. It doesnt hurt to err on the side of more capacity than lessthe weight difference between a 1.5 and 3-liter reservoir is negligible, and you can always fill it halfway. These relatively inexpensive pieces of gear come ready to go, including a daypack and integrated hydration bladderall you need to do is add water. But if you dont mind feeling some of your gear on your back and keep your load relatively light (it is only a daypack, after all), the minimalist options on this list are more appropriate options (theyre also cheaper and far more compressible). On the heavy end is the fully featured Osprey Manta 34, which comes with an almost ridiculous amount of pockets and external attachment points, along with a suspension system that rivals a backpacking pack. Thats something we can help with Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. We prefer the more streamlined backpanel of the Osprey, but if you tend to pack bulky items or carry a lot of gear, the Gregory certainly has its place. That said, proper cleaningand dryingis fairly important to extending the lifespan of your bladder and tube, especially if you're using sticky electrolyte tabs or powder. The Osprey Skarab 30 is our favorite all-around hydration pack for day hikers, but Gregorys new Inertia 24 H2O (and womens Swift 22 H2O) isnt far behind. On the other hand, it doesnt quite measure up to the Manta in terms of support, nor does its fixed shoulder straps adjust to accommodate different torso lengths (note: the Citro and Juno 30 do come in plus size options). On the other hand, with a screw-top like Gregorys 3D Hydro Reservoir, you likely wont even be able to get your hand inside (CamelBaks mouths are a lot wider). Whats more, many designs are available in multiple capacities: The Osprey Skarab, for example, comes in 18, 22, and 30-liter models. In addition to the amount of padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt, fit plays a large role in overall comfort on the trail. In 2022, most daypacks (like the popular Osprey Talon 22) are hydration-compatible, featuring dedicated reservoir sleeves, ports, and routing clips. In general, we prefer hydration packs that fully separate the main compartment from the reservoir storage, allowing you to organize your gear without a bulky bladder getting in the way. At the back, you get a streamlined main compartment (including a sleeve and hanger for the 1.75L HydraPak reservoir) and two dump pockets, while the vest-style front features multiple stretch pockets on each side and one large zippered pocket for essentials (it fits our large smartphone). Ventilated designs do eat into the size and dimensions of the main compartment and are more expensive, but its worth it for some. Whats more, its generally a bit cheaper to buy an all-in-one system rather than piecing your setup together, which is a nice bonus. )See the Men's CamelBak Rim Runner 22 See the Women's CamelBak Rim Runner 22. On the other hand, screw-top reservoirs can be a lot easier to fill. Its generally a bit cheaper to purchase an all-in-one setup, but if you already own a daypack or reservoir, it might be worth considering buying the accompanying piece separatelyjust bear in mind that you might have to purchase a few accessories to achieve the same sleek design of an all-in-one hydration pack. Finally, snow-specific hydration packs use insulated reservoir sleeves and tubes and bite valve covers to keep your water from turning into ice., If you participate in more than one sport, chances are that you own more than one hydration pack. 8.6 oz.Capacities: 18, 22, 30LIncluded hydration: 2.5L reservoirWhat we like: An ideal combination of storage, convenience, and comfort.What we dont: Hipbelt pockets are too small; only comes in one size. Of course, this all depends on your water sourceif youre scooping from a lake or river, youll want to remove your reservoir regardless, in order to keep your pack from getting wet. Further, the drinking hose is not insulated, which slightly compromises the insulating concept. The largest variation comes in terms of on/off mechanisms: Gregory uses a push button, CamelBaks offerings feature a large lever, and Ospreys and REIs HydraPak designs twist open and closed. Read more about us., No matter the length or location of your hike, hydration is one of the keys to staying happy and healthy on the trail. One of our favorite pack features is a large exterior mesh pocket along the front or sides of the pack, known as a shove-it pocket. If all you need is a pack for short day hikes and dont plan on carrying more than 10 or so pounds, the thinner webbing is sufficient. That said, if youre going out for a full day or would rather prioritize a sleek user experience over cost- and weight-savings, wed stick with a pack like the Skarab above. Added up, the Inertia is a user-friendly hydration pack that will suit the needs of most casual day hikers. Finally, unlike most packs here, the REI comes in two sizes to accommodate a range of body sizes, and the aforementioned Swiftland comes in three.See the REI Co-op Flash 15 Hydration Vest. The REI Co-op Flash 15 hydration vest above is a great option for short jaunts or carrying minimal gear, but for high-mileage days or cold weather (when you might need a lot of layers), its nice to have a bit more capacity. Compared to the Skarab, the Citro is heavier and $20 pricier, but offers slightly more organizational options, along with significantly more structure and support. On the other hand, the valves found on Gregorys hydration reservoirs are functional and secure, but their smaller button is a bit more difficult to operate. These hydration packsthe REI Co-op Flash 15 and Ultimate Direction FKT are two of our favoritesfeature a vest-style sternum strap system, ride high on the back and close to the body, and are great for minimal loads and those going particularly fast and light. Hydroflask kept the rest of the design fairly simple: The 14-liter backpack features one main compartment, a fleece-lined pocket for your phone or sunglasses, and a webbing hipbelt. Hydration packs include a range of features that make them more compatible with a hydration reservoir than a standard daypack, including tube ports, routing tabs, and magnets, easy-loading sleeves or dedicated pockets with hangers, and, every so often, insulated compartments for your water. The vertical shoulder strap pocket cant fit much more than chapstick, andlike many of the packs herethe hipbelt pockets arent large enough for a standard-sized smartphone. This can be a bit of a challenge with hydration packs: Most of the models above are only offered in a one-size-fits-all option. Theres no shortage of hydration packs to choose from, but most hikers will benefit from a simple yet functional design that offers ample gear and water storage, a nicely cushioned yet low-profile suspension system, and convenient organization. For short day hikes or minimalist outings with a light load, CamelBaks Rim Runner is a functional and lightweight offering for just $100. And finally, while the Skarabs bucket-style opening offers great access to the main compartment, the Interias traditional U-shaped zipper is a bit more limited. 1.4 oz.Capacities: 24, 34LIncluded hydration: 2.5L reservoirWhat we like: Metal frame and suspended mesh backpanel offer great support and ventilation.What we dont: Overbuilt in terms of both support and features. There are a vast array of hydration packs to choose from for a variety of activitiesincluding biking, running, snow sports, and morebut here we focus on designs specifically built for hiking. All told, for a minimalist hydration pack that can pull double duty for everyday use, the Nano 18 H2O is our favorite budget offering of 2022. Both are time-tested designs, but differ slightly in terms of functionality. Despite the Flash 15s streamlined design, its still reasonably customizable, including an ice axe strap and four bungees that can be attached in various configurations for compression, trekking pole carry, and more. This is a major shortcoming of hydration packs in general, but vest-style designs in particular can really benefit from a more tailored fit (the Flash above comes in two sizes, while many running vests come in five). Generally, what most people look for. If, however, comfort reigns supreme or you plan to haul a lot of weight, we highly recommend a pack with a real hipbelt. Whether youre headed to the beach, tailgating before your favorite sporting event, or camping in the wild, keeping your food and drinks cold is absolutely key. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. First, REIs Flash 15 comes in two sizesa S/M and L/XLand the Gregory Citro 30 and Juno 30 are both available in a plus size. Finally, the cushioned hip belt is a nice step up from a webbing design, and the padding on the shoulder straps and backpanel provides a nice boost of plushness for days on the trail., All told, the RimRunner is certainly a step up from a daypack like the Gregory Nano 18 above in terms of organization and comfort, but it falls short of more all-around offerings like the Osprey Skarab and Gregory Inertia. Finally, its worth mentioning that for just $10 more, you can bump up to the 22-liter version of the aforementioned Skarab, which features a larger reservoir (2.5L), along with a higher quality designbut you do give up the Rim Runners front dump and hipbelt pockets, which might be a deal breaker for some. There are a few outliers that are worth mentioning here. Weight: 1 lb. From day hikes to festivals, these packs are built with lightweight, sustainable materials for all of your adventure needs. Further, while most designs have fixed shoulder straps and offer minimal customization, the Mantas harness can be adjusted by 4 inches to fit a range of torso lengths. Unlike designs with bulkier suspension systems, the Nano is streamlined enough to fit inside a larger pack and pull out for quick summit missions, and its versatile too: You can remove the hydration reservoir (the pack alone weighs about 1 lb.) Value is excellent: For just $80, you get a 3-liter quick-drying 3D Hydro reservoir (a $43 value), along with a lightweight 18-liter pack that comes with a range of storage and features. Both of these packs feature fairly lightweight builds and on-the-go storage without being too polarizing in any direction. Weight: 2 lbs. those from Osprey and Gregory), as theyre easier to reconnect once back in your pack (you dont have to go digging around at the reservoirs base).. 7 oz.Capacities: 18, 22LIncluded hydration: 3L reservoirWhat we like: A versatile and affordable pack with 3 liters of water storage.What we dont: Minimal support, capacity, and organization. On the other hand, penny pinchers might be inclined to Frankenstein their kit togetherif you already have a reservoir, you can purchase a pack like the REI Co-op Flash 18 ($40), which is fairly similar to the Nano here. We love bucket-style zippers like the Osprey Skarabs, which create a large opening and allow you to easily see the contents at the bottom of your pack. And similar to the Flash 15, it can also accommodate soft flasks in its front pockets, although they also must be purchased separately.See the CamelBak Octane 25. Last but not least is the Nathan Trail Mix 12L, a popular hydration pack ideal for multi-sport use. Weve tested a lot of hydration packs, and in our opinion the Skarab is the most well-rounded design for day hikers. We tested the 22-liter version of the Mira (the womens equivalent to the Manta 24), and have mixed reviews: While we can certainly see the appeal of this pack for those who need the extra support, its overbuilt in most ways. The good news is that most designs now come with a range of features to help. Weight: 1 lb. We do have a few small gripes: The hipbelt pockets dont accommodate our standard-sized smartphone, and both the Skarab and Skimmer only come in one torso size.